Mystery Deepens in ‘Yellowjackets’ Season 3, Episode 3 Recap

LOS ANGELES, CA — The third episode of ‘Yellowjackets‘ Season 3, titled “Them’s The Brakes,” aired on February 21, 2025, and revisits the eerie dynamics among the stranded soccer team in the wilderness while balancing their adult lives. The episode reinvigorates intrigue through dark humor and unsettling visions as the narrative unfolds both in the past and present timelines.

This episode opens with Coach Ben‘s uneasy captivation of Mari, who, in an act of desperation, resorts to using mace against him. The banter between the two, filled with tension and a hint of humor, sets a strange tone. “I can’t believe you maced me!” she shrieks amidst their chaotic struggle. “You did this, you idiot!” Ben retorts, illustrating the unexpected moments of levity that pepper this dark drama.

As the plot thickens, Mari and Ben’s bizarre capture leads not only to a physical escape attempt but to deeper conversations about trauma and existence. Mari shares a poignant story about her cousin, who died at four, linking it to the idea of dual realities. “Why did you tell me that?” Ben asks, perplexed. Mari suggests that perhaps two realities coexist, one normal and the other malevolent.

Meanwhile, back at the makeshift camp, Shauna leads a group to hunt down Coach Ben after Mari reveals his actions. Their journey shadows a classic horror trope, with torch-bearing hunters searching for him in the depths of nighttime. The writing here efficiently heightens suspense while providing insight into the group’s psyche.

Upon discovering a cave, three girls—Shauna, Van, and Akilah—venture deeper, only to encounter unsettling hallucinations because of a noxious gas. Each girl experiences a personal journey laden with symbolism and metaphor, from Akilah’s conversation with a talking llama to Shauna swimming towards her lost son, evoking bittersweet memories. The symbolic imagery creates an engaging narrative connection that captivates viewers.

The episode culminates in surreal chaos as the characters’ various visions converge in a classroom setting, led by Lottie, who bears a haunting authority. Prominent character Jackie also makes an appearance, wielding a slap bracelet that inflicts pain when used on others. “You don’t have to be such a baby,” Jackie taunts, illustrating the episode’s unsettling humor against the backdrop of horror.

In the present timeline, Tai and Van grapple with their realities, while their interactions underscore the ongoing tension. Tai’s belief that the universe has offered Van a second chance due to a sacrificial event adds spiritual complexity to the narrative. Their explorations not only reflect the personal but pose broader questions about survival, guilt, and darkness.

Shauna’s fraught relationships are further complicated by Lottie gifting Jackie’s heart necklace to her daughter, Callie. Shauna’s frantic outburst upon seeing the item symbolizes the weight of unresolved grief, enhancing the intricacy of character relationships. This moment encapsulates the emotional stakes involved in their interconnected lives.

Ultimately, the episode presents a mix of rejuvenation and trepidation. Although some questions linger about the future trajectory of the story, underlying themes of survival, connection, and psychological terror are expertly woven together, leaving viewers on edge. As the chorus of shrieking grows in intensity further explores the compelling supernatural elements, the narrative’s intertwining threads and their ominous potential draw viewers back for more. The looming promise of what’s next adds a layer of suspense that sustains the series’ intrigue.

‘Yellowjackets’ airs weekly on Paramount+ and Showtime, and episode 3 is now available for streaming. As the season progresses, audiences will undoubtedly be drawn deeper into the wilderness of both the past and present lives of the Yellowjackets.